Ithaca - Barbara B. Yale, 81, of Ithaca died Tuesday evening, February 23, 2010, at her home in the woods by the lake.

Barbara was born in Rochester, NY, the daughter of late the Monroe and Julia Blumenstiel. She lived in Ithaca for the last 48 years, having moved here with her husband, Dr. Daniel I. Yale, when he set up his medical practice in orthopedic surgery.

Barbara loved Ithaca, especially the creativity of the community and the natural beauty of the area. She had a great love of people, and a knack for quickly getting to know them and making them her friends. She took great pride in her family.

Barbara had an innate sense of style, an appreciation of life, and a very strong, determined mindset. Barbara had a lifelong appreciation for the importance of education. She was able to combine her ability to connect with people and her love of books in her work as a librarian in the Ithaca elementary schools.

Barbara is survived by her six children, Andrew Yale (Brenda), Amy Yale-Loehr (Stephen), Roger Yale (Ann), Nan Stout (Tim), Mara Yale, and Ethan Yale (Amanda); 15 grandchildren, Jesse, Jacob, Elizabeth, Jonathan, Alexander, Julia, Emily, Mary Beth, Daniel, Alison, Eliza, Zoe, Mia, Natalie, and Eva; a sister, Dorothy (Herbert) Rosenberg. Barbara was predeceased by her husband, Daniel I. Yale, in 1991.

In celebration and recognition of Barbara's life, friends are invited to join the family for a gathering at the Yale-Loehr house, 301 Highgate Road, on Sunday, February 28 between 1-3 PM.

In keeping with the value Barbara placed on family and education, contributions in her memory may be made to the Family Reading Partnership , 54 Gunderman Road, Ithaca, 14850